Truth, lies explored in Actors' Summit's 'Fiction'

By April Helms
special products editorPublished: January 27, 2013 12:00AM

Steven Dietz's "Fiction" is a show that will "keep the audience guessing even after they leave," said MaryJo Alexander, co-artistic director at Actors' Summit.

"I saw it 7, 8 years ago and I fell in love with it," she said. "It's such a puzzle.I love [Dietz's] style. He is the most produced playwright in America right now."

The play centers on married couple Linda and Michael Waterman (played by Sally Groth and Bob Keefe), who are both successful writers. When Linda is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she tells her husband she realizes that he can and will read her extensive collection of journals after she is gone -- and asks to read his journals. Michael's reaction and initial reluctance becomes apparent soon enough, after Linda reads about her husband's relationship with Abby Drake (played by Cassandra Capocci) during a writer's retreat. But as the play goes on, what is real and what is merely fiction becomes blurred. Without giving too much away, Linda has her own secrets and Abby her own agenda, and the audience will be left guessing to the very end - and even after the show -- as to what really happened.

The audience on opening night Jan. 18 seemed to enjoy the show.

"It had some great twists in it," said Sue Breitsch of Chagrin Falls.

Rick Wilson of Akron said he, too, liked the play.

"Sometimes plays tend to drag towards the end, but this one kept you engaged," he said. "I was surprised and disappointed when it was over."

Ticket and show information

Thursdays and Sundays adults are $28 and seniors over 65 are $25. Saturdays are $30. Fridays are $28. All full-time students with ID can attend any performance for $9. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.actorssummit.org, or by phone at 330-374-7568.

Actors' Summit is in Graystone Hall, at 103 High St. in downtown Akron.

Next on stage

Actors' Summit will next produce "Freud's Last Session," which will run from Feb. 28 through March 17.

In connection with this production, Actors' Summit will have a "Drink, Shrink and Dessert" event on March 2. The event will include drinks and hors d'oeuvres, followed by the show, with desserts afterwards. Cost is $70 per person; for those who have a ticket to the show already, the cost is $50. Call the theater for details.